An integrated business improvement methodology to refocus business improvement efforts

Abstract

Describes the development of an applied business process improvement methodology which will enable existing business improvement related initiatives to be integrated and refocused on business/ customer needs. Discusses the need for such a methodology, showing how existing business improvement efforts/initiatives can easily become fragmented and lose focus after initial success. Describes reasons for adopting a business process‐based approach to address these issues. Highlights salient points of existing methodologies applied in a number of companies and where appropriate they are incorporated into the new methodology. Describes the development of a total quality programme which has been running at Short Bros plc (a subsidiary of Bombardier Inc.) since 1987.